Teaching and Learning using Computers: How should We Tread on Its’ Changing Technology?

Abstract

Children learn quickly from their own parents and as they grow up computers offer more learning options. However they would learn better if the lessons are properly constructed using cognitive, constructivist, collaborative and technical education principles i.e., incorporating mathematics lessons on the computers. This paper reports an ‘experience’ gained by a veteran mathematics teacher in building a courseware called CDiCL using ADDIE principles. The quasi-experimental research was run in Polytechnic Kota Bharu PKB, Kelantan under Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Malaysia among 137 students at Certificate Engineering students in March 2006 among 4 different groups within 8 weeks. It was discovered CD only group scored the highest gain score of 6 points (difference in Post Test and Pre Test) while CL (Collaborative Learning) only group scored the least 2 points. From clinical interview, many students failed to understand mathematics from the courseware because of English and behavior problems among participants but some leaders in CL group gained leadership experience demanding soft skills in understanding peers’ limited skills and anxiety at presenting mathematics problem solving. The study concluded with a framework / rubrics for teachers to be effective dealing with mixed ability group of students learning mathematics on computers.